Interactions of fast molecular ions with matter

There are many interesting aspects of the interactions of fast ions with matter that can be explored using molecular-ion projectiles. At high velocities, these projectiles dissociate rapidly (approx. 10-17 sec) upon entering a solid. Each projectile then results in a tight cluster of fragments which continue into the solid closely correlated in space and in time. Recent high-resolution studies on the trajectories of such fragments, their energy losses, their shifts in angle and energy, their charge states, etc., have produced a wealth of new information on such phenomena as stopping power, radiation damage, and the interactions of fast ions with the plasma oscillations they induce in solids. Studies with foil and gas targets have elucidated many aspects of the differences in interactions in solids and gases. The techniques used in these experiments show promise as a tool for studying molecular-ion structures